Sheehan said there were many problems when he first joined the archdiocese. He said in 22 years, he's had to remove more than 25 priests found guilty of sexual abuse.

There's some concern his successor won't be as tough.

"When abuse cases surface, or when abuse victims talk to church officials, Bishop Wester does the absolute bare minimum," said David Clohessy.

Clohessy is the national director of SNAP, or the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests. The organization has been critical of Wester for not doing enough to crack down on sexual abuse in his previous positions.

Sheehan said he's not worried.

"I think he'll be just fine," he said.

Sheehan said he believes Wester will do what needs to be done if allegations surface.